David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened carefully to all the points made by Deputy Kelly and others during this debate and as I sat here I was thinking about the town of Cobh in my own constituency, to be parochial, which is to be visited by 67 cruise liners this year. There were 136,000 visitors to the Jameson Experience in Midleton last year. That number will increase again in the current year. The whole tourism side of this area is huge and growing. I contend that this particular Bill brought forward by Deputy Kelly will add to the tourism potential.

Deputy Lahart earlier raised issues with respect to late opening. As far as I am aware, the microbrewers have not requested this.

My understanding is that work would finish at 6 p.m. and late opening would conflict with existing licensed premises, which would not be good. It might encourage other activities, such as parties, to occur in microbreweries, even though I do not think that is the intention. A finish time of 6 p.m. seems reasonable.

Reference was made to antisocial behaviour. Courts will be involved in granting licences and people will have an opportunity to object at the beginning of the process if they so wish, which is important to note.

As I said at the outset, the Government will not oppose the Bill but will table appropriate amendments on Committee Stage in order to ensure that, as far as possible, the Bill will not have any unforeseen or undesirable consequences that would not serve the interests of the sector or those who work in it. It is a common-sense Bill.

Budget 2017 provided upfront relief for microbreweries. Under that relief, such a brewery could produce up to 20,000 hl of product and the excise duty would be 50% of the normal rate. The previous budget increased the limit for microbreweries to 30,000 hl. The Government has been very supportive of the sector. The sector has grown and has now reached a point where it is seeking some extra assistance.

Visitors and tourists are also looking for a change. As colleagues said, anyone visiting a winery or brewery on the continent or elsewhere can buy product. It is something people expect, and those who visit Ireland are puzzled that they cannot do so. Everybody who has spoken has supported the Bill. It will solve that problem and allow such sales to take place legally.

I again thank everyone who contributed and also Deputy Kelly for bringing forward the Bill.

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